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2026 OHL Awards – Humanitarian of the Year Finalists

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:30:18 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced five finalists for the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year. The Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy honours the enduring legacy of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who championed community initiatives during his time in the OHL from 1995-99 before his tragic passing in October 2003. In determining this group of finalists, the selection committee sought players who transcend standard team-mandated appearances to become true humanitarian forces. Each of these individuals demonstrated exceptional initiative by independently founding charitable programs, dedicating consistent personal time, and generating tangible impacts. Ultimately, the award recognizes those who embody Snyder’s authentic, unwavering commitment to leaving a profound mark on the communities they call home. Here is more information on this year's Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy finalists: David Egorov (G, Brantford Bulldogs) Brantford Bulldogs netminder David Egorov was a force for good in the Brantford community, being recognized for his above-and-beyond advocacy for mental health by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk branch earlier this month. The third-year netminder spearheaded fundraising initiatives for the CMHA through a raffle initiative he organized that led to a $9,000 donation toward mental health services. Ahead of the holiday season, Egorov joined forces with Brantford Police Services to help underprivileged children shop for Christmas gifts through their "Shop with a Cop" program. He also stepped up as a player ambassador for Hockey Gives Blood, and led the Bulldogs' efforts on Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen, creating his very own "Egorov Blizzard" to be sold with proceeds benefitting McMaster Children's Hospital throughout the season. Egorov also acted out of sheer instinct to save the life of an individual outside the TD Civic Centre early in the season, performing first aid and chest compressions on the unresponsive person, acting as a good samaritan until first responders arrived on the scene. On the ice, Egorov was a dependable last line of defence, going 21-4-3-0 with a 2.49 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and four shutouts over 29 games. Tristen Trevino (D, Erie Otters) Erie Otters captain Tristen Trevino invested regular personal time to a cause near and dear to his heart. The 19-year-old defenceman was a weekly fixture at the Gliding Stars Program, a skating initiative in Erie that provides children and people with special needs the opportunity to learn how to skate. The Otters made a team appearance at the program early in the season, at such time Trevino stated a desire to continue attending, and brought a teammate or two along every Monday throughout the balance of the season. Trevino's seven-year-old brother, Bernie, is autistic. The close bond with his brother allowed Tristen to form connections and friendships with those attending the weekly program at Mercyhurst Ice Centre, an impact felt by those who oversee the program that has been in operation for 26 years. Trevino was also a leader for the Otters in other community initiatives such as cooking and serving food at the Erie City Mission, as well as numerous school visits throughout the season. On the ice, Trevino, who is from Franklin Park, Pennsylvania, earned the captain's 'C' in his first OHL season, recording 26 points (4-22--26) over 67 games on the Erie blueline. Thanasi Marentette (D, Peterborough Petes) Hard-hitting Peterborough Petes defenceman Thanasi Marentette proved to be a caring community advocate in the Liftlock City. Beginning in November, Marentette launched "Marentette's Mission" with the goal of making a meaningful and lasting difference for those in need within the Peterborough community. His first initiative, the "Warm Hands, Warm Hearts Winter Clothing Drive" ran from November 13 through December 11 and was carried out in partnership with Street Level Advocacy and the Kawartha-Haliburton Children's Foundation. The clothing drive resulted in a wide range of winter wear including gloves, warm socks, winter boots, jackets, sweaters and scarves, along with over $1,500 in montary donations. Marentette built-off that success by forming a partnership with local business MILK + TEA. During February, a portion of proceeds from MILK + TEA's baked goods was donated to Marentette's Mission. These funds were in-turn used to provide nutritious, homemade meals to individuals in need, resulting in more than 120 meals being distributed in the community. In addition to taking a great deal of personal time to organize community efforts, Marentette become a Hockey Gives Blood Player Ambassador in January, using the opportunity to experience blood donation for the first time while encouraging his teammates to do likewise. He was awarded the Gary Dalliday Award for Peterborough Petes Community Service, and his teammates took note of his passion for the community, donating $4,000 to the cause through the OHL Overtime Heroes program come playoff-time. The 6-foot, 216Ib. blueliner from Windsor, ON suited up in 42 games with the Petes in 2025-26. Beckham Edwards (C, Sarnia Sting) NHL Draft eligible Sarnia Sting forward Beckham Edwards was a familiar face in classrooms across the Sarnia-Lambton region this past season. Edwards founded the BE Kind initiative, a program dedicated to promoting kindness and empathy in local classrooms. He went above-and-beyond the Sting's regular schedule of community visits, appearing in 10 different classrooms to impact more than 200 students at local schools, connecting with children in Kindergarten through Grade 2 in meaningful and lasting ways. Through the BE Kind initiative, Edwards would read books centred on kindness to the students before leading an open conversation, encouraging students to reflect on what it means to be kind and to share simple, everyday ways they can show kindness to others. After the discussion, each student received a BE Kind challenge card, which included six different acts of kindness such as lending a helping hand, giving a compliment, or writing a thank-you note. Students were encouraged to complete the card and return it to their teacher, who would then select two names to receive a prize. In addition to the visit, every classroom received a Sarnia Sting stick and a BE Kind t-shirt to be used as prizing for the Kindness Challenge Card, provided by Edwards. In addition to classroom visits, Edwards was a regular at minor hockey practices, serving as a mentor and role model for young players. The 18-year-old from Komoka, ON posted a second-straight 45-point season (19-26--45) for the Sting, and enters the summer looking ahead to the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo. Carson Woodall (D, Windsor Spitfires) Continuing the tremendous work he started in March 2024, Carson Woodall's "Woody's Hoodies" initiative crossed the $175,000 donation threshold in support of cancer research last month, marking two years of consistent support for a cause close to his heart. Inspired by both of his grandmothers who have battled cancer in the late Nana O'Brien and supporting Nana Woodall, the Spits blueliner launched the program with the intention of including a specialized custom ribbon emblazoned on each hoody combining symbols for breast and ovarian cancer. The ribbon also includes the initials "D.O." and C.W." as a tribute to his loved ones who have braved the fight with cancer. Most recently, Woodall presented Play for a Cure with a donation of $24,000 in March, with funds raised from the sale of hoodies that have become a recognizable symbol across arenas, schools, workplaces and streets throughout Windsor-Essex County and beyond. Other donations from Woodall have benefitted causes such as Hospice of Erie Shores, while his creativity in carrying-out fundraising initiatives has extended into feats such as stair-climbs and rappelling 170 feet down from the CIBC building in downtown Windsor. The initiative also supports local causes such as hockey tournaments and road hockey events throughout the summer. Woodall's creativity knows no bounds, with the brand extending beyond hoodies and onto pucks, stickers and drink koozies, with new looks and designs being rolled-out as recently as this past week. The former 10th round OHL Draft pick from nearby Belle River developed into a go-to option for Spitfires coach Greg Walters this past season as Woodall was the OHL's Defenceman of the Month for October, and is a finalist for the Max Kaminsky Trophy as OHL Defenceman of the Year, producing 63 points (12-51--63) over 68 games for the West Division champions.

Ruml named to Team Czechia’s roster ahead of 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:48:25 +0000

Czechia has announced its roster for the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, which includes Ondrej Ruml of the Ottawa 67’s. Ruml has also been named to the team’s leadership group and will serve as an assistant captain. https://twitter.com/HZoufal/status/2046610847632351689 The tournament will take place in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia, from April 22 to May 2, as the Czechs look to capture their first medal at the event since 2014. Czechia is set to face the United States, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark in the preliminary round. The tournament will conclude with the medal games on May 2, with all games available to stream on IIHF.tv (subscription required). _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For more information on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at IIHF.com

Di Iorio and Zhilkin named to Team Canada’s leadership group ahead of 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:57:24 +0000

Hockey Canada announced this morning that Alessandro Di Iorio (Sarnia Sting) and Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit) will be part of the leadership group for the upcoming 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, each serving as assistant captains. Both players served as captains for their respective Ontario Hockey League clubs this past season, while Di Iorio also represented the leadership group with Hockey Canada at last summer’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The tournament kicks off on April 22, with Canada taking on Slovakia, Latvia, Norway and Finland in the preliminary round before concluding with the medal games on May 2. TSN and RDS, the official broadcast partners of Hockey Canada, will broadcast 16 tournament games, including all Team Canada preliminary-round games, as well as the quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games. _________________________________________________ For more information on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at IIHF.com For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Ducks sign Battalion captain Ethan Procyszyn to entry-level contract

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:30:32 +0000

The Anaheim Ducks have signed North Bay Battalion captain Ethan Procyszyn to a three-year NHL entry-level contract, the club announced Tuesday. Selected by Anaheim in the third round, 68th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft, Procyszyn led the Battalion in scoring during the 2025-26 season with 59 points (31-28–59) in 65 games. The 6-foot-3 centre also paced the club in goals, plus/minus and faceoff wins, while co-leading in power-play goals and ranking among team leaders across multiple categories. A native of Wasaga Beach, Ont., Procyszyn served as Battalion captain over the past two seasons, establishing himself as a consistent presence in all situations. He helped guide North Bay to the second round of the OHL Playoffs this spring, recording five points in 10 games. “Ethan gave everything to this team for the past four years through his hard work, dedication and leadership,” said Battalion director of hockey operations Adam Dennis. “We’re thrilled that he has earned his first professional contract with the Ducks and have no doubt there’s a long career ahead for this young man. “As much as he’ll be missed, we look forward to watching him take this next step in his career.” Over four OHL seasons, Procyszyn totalled 177 points (85-92–177) along with 261 penalty minutes in 257 regular season games. He added 15 points (9-6–15) in 43 career playoff contests. Originally selected by North Bay in the first round, 20th overall, of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Procyszyn made an immediate impact as a rookie and was later named team captain midway through the 2024-25 season. He set career highs that year with 64 points before following it up with another strong campaign in 2025-26. On the international stage, Procyszyn represented Canada at the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, earning a silver medal while recording four points in seven games. He is expected to begin his professional career in the 2026-27 season.

Series HQ: Brantford vs. Barrie

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:00:32 +0000

(1) Brantford Bulldogs (48-10-8-2) vs. (2) Barrie Colts (45-14-5-4) The Eastern Conference Final brings together two of the best teams in the OHL this season, as the East Division-winning Brantford Bulldogs host the Central Division-winning Barrie Colts in what promises to be a compelling clash of contrasting styles. Both clubs have been dominant throughout the postseason, setting the stage for what could be a classic conference final. The season series between these two offers little clarity, ending deadlocked at 2-2, with the results swinging wildly from a 7-1 blowout to a 7-4 affair, suggesting that when these two meet, anything can happen. One thing that is certain, however, is the physicality this matchup brings, as the teams combined for 181 penalty minutes over those four games. It also marks just the second playoff meeting in franchise history, adding another layer of intrigue to an already compelling series. Brantford comes in as the top seed and has looked every bit the part throughout the playoffs. The Bulldogs have swept both of their series and have not scored fewer than three goals in any game this postseason, a testament to the depth of an offence that generates contributions from up and down the lineup night after night. Captain Jake O'Brien leads the team with 15 points and set the tone ahead of the series when speaking to the media. “I'm very confident in our group right now,” O'Brien said. “This is the best we've played all year, especially throughout the playoffs. Barrie is a really strong team, so it's going to be a tough challenge, but we're excited for it.” Up front, Emms Family Award finalist Caleb Malhotra paces the club in goals with eight, five of which have come on the power play, making Brantford's man advantage one of the most dangerous in the league. In goal, Ryerson Leenders leads the entire league with a 1.84 goals-against average and has been calm and composed throughout. Coach Jay McKee touched on his group's character ahead of the series. “Every player should be able to look in the mirror after a game and know they gave everything they had. That's all we ask. It's a high-character team that competes hard and executes at a high level, and that gives us confidence.” Barrie arrives in the Eastern Conference Final for the second consecutive season, but this year's group is hungry to go further after being swept by the Oshawa Generals a year ago. Coach Dylan Smoskowitz addressed that disappointment head-on ahead of the series. “We were disappointed with how things ended last year, but we've talked a lot about growth. We believe there's no such thing as losing if you learn from it. The players who were here last season have shared those lessons with the group, and that's been part of our mindset since day one.” The Colts are led offensively by Cole Beaudoin, who tops the entire league in playoff scoring with 23 points and has registered a point in every single game of this postseason. Beaudoin spoke about what it will take to get past Brantford. “I think it comes down to our depth throughout the lineup. Every night, we'll need someone to step up. It's going to take a full team effort to get past Brantford.” Emil Hemming is not far behind at 17 points, giving Barrie a potent one-two punch at the top of the lineup. Goaltender Ben Hrebik enters with a .923 save percentage and will need to be at his best against a Brantford offence that has shown no signs of slowing down. One area that will bear watching is discipline. Barrie has more than doubled Brantford's penalty minute total in the postseason, 141 to 59, and Kashawn Aitcheson was candid about the challenge that presents against a Brantford power play as dangerous as this one. “We take pride in playing a certain way, getting under opponents' skin, bringing energy, and playing with edge. But in this series, it'll be important to stay disciplined. Their power play is very strong and can make you pay if you give them too many opportunities.” McKee, for his part, made clear that the respect runs both ways. "Like us, they have their strengths and weaknesses. They're built a bit differently, so we'll need to manage their power forwards, and they also have a strong power play. Discipline will be important. Both teams are very strong, and we're expecting a great series.” Both coaches have spoken about respecting the other team while trusting their own identity, and that mutual respect feels genuinely earned. Brantford's depth and goaltending give them the edge, but Barrie's offensive firepower, battle-tested resilience, physicality, and burning desire to go one step further than last year make them a genuine threat. With Beaudoin on a career-high run and Leenders standing tall at the other end, this Eastern Conference Final has all the ingredients for something special. Series Schedule: * if needed Game 1 – Wed., April 22 at Brantford, 7:00pm Game 2 – Fri., April 24 at Brantford, 7:00pm Game 3 – Sun., April 26 at Barrie, 6:00pm Game 4 – Tues., April 28 at Barrie, 7:00pm Game 5 – Thurs., April 30 at Brantford, 7:00pm* Game 6 – Sat., May 2 at Barrie, 7:00pm* Game 7 – Mon., May 4 at Brantford, 7:00pm* Season Series: Series tied 2-2 Oct. 29 - BAR 5 at BFD 4 Jan. 25 - BAR 1 at BFD 7 Feb. 21 - BFD 4 at BAR 7 Mar. 5 - BFD 5 at BAR 3 Playoff History: This marks the first playoff meeting between Brantford and Barrie since the Bulldogs’ relocation, and just the second in franchise history. 2023 BAR def. HAM 4-2 – First Round

Two OHL players named to USA’s roster ahead of 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:59:01 +0000

Team USA has announced its tournament roster for the 2026 IIHF U18 Men's World Championship, which includes two OHL players. The tournament will take place in Bratislava and Trenčín, Slovakia, from April 22 to May 2. The Americans will look to win their first gold medal since 2023. Defencemen: Levi Harper (Saginaw Spirit) Forwards: Brooks Rogowski (Oshawa Generals) The 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship kicks off on April 22, with Team USA taking on Czechia, Denmark, Sweden and Germany in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with the medal games on May 2. All U.S. games throughout the tournament will be broadcast live on NHL Network. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ For more information on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit the official tournament website at IIHF.com For more information on USA Hockey and USA’s National Men’s Under-18 Team, please visit UsaHockey.com or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

St. Louis Blues’ prospect Lukas Fischer assigned to Springfield

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:12:56 +0000

Defenceman Lukas Fischer is set to join the Springfield Thunderbirds, the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, as they prepare for a best-of-three series against the Charlotte Checkers. The 2024 second-round selection signed his entry-level contract with St. Louis in March 2025, and has already seen action at the professional level, appearing in three games with Springfield last season.

Fischer spent the 2025–26 OHL season continuing to build his reputation as a reliable two-way blueliner. He began the year as captain of the Sarnia Sting, recording 26 points (5-21-26) in 39 games while logging significant minutes on the back end. The Brighton, MI native was dealt to the Soo Greyhounds halfway through the season, where he provided a steady presence on the blue line and added 19 points (3-15-19) in 26 regular season games.

Fischer carried that momentum into the OHL Playoffs, contributing six points (1-5-6) in 10 playoff games, while playing a key role in the Greyhounds’ defensive core.

2026 OHL Awards – Defenceman of the Year Finalists

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:03:08 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced finalists for the Max Kaminsky Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Defenceman of the Year as voted by the League's General Managers. Team nominees were required to receive 20% of the vote from General Managers within their own conference to advance to the final ballot as award finalists. This year’s Max Kaminsky Trophy finalists include: Kashawn Aitcheson (Barrie Colts) - 56 GP, 28 G, 42 A, 70 PTS. Kashawn Aitcheson had a record-setting year with the Barrie Colts in 2024-25, and doubled-down on it this past season, with his 28 goals and 70 points both etched in the franchise record books. The New York Islanders first round draft pick led OHL defencemen offensively, scoring a league-high six game-winners among rearguards while his plus-46 rating was second-best league-wide. Known for bringing a physical dimension to the game, Aitcheson finished first in four different OHL Coaches Poll categories including best shot, hardest shot, best bodychecker and best offensive defenceman. The 6-foot-2, 203Ib. competitor finished his 19-year-old season as Barrie's all-time leader in career goals (63) and points (171) by a defenceman. He was named OHL Defenceman of the Month for both January and February. Frankie Marrelli (Ottawa 67's) - 66 GP, 13 G, 30 A, 43 PTS. Fourth-year veteran Frankie Marrelli logged big minutes for the Ottawa 67's, finishing the season tied for the OHL lead in plus/minus with a plus-48 rating. The 19-year-old posted career-highs in goals (13), assists (30) and points (43), heating up in January and February with a stretch of 15 points over 13 games. Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds) - 45 GP, 18 G, 30 A, 48 PTS. Top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Chase Reid produced at a more than point-per-game clip in his second campaign, playing big minutes for the Soo Greyhounds. The 18-year-old from Chesterfield, Michigan recorded six different games of at least three points, including a hat-trick on Dec. 5th against the Oshawa Generals. Reid appeared in four different categories in this year's OHL Coaches Poll including best skater, best shot, best defensive defenceman and was voted best offensive defenceman in the Western Conference. He enters the 2026 NHL Draft as the second-ranked North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. Carson Woodall (Windsor Spitfires) - 68 GP, 12 G, 51 A, 63 PTS. A former 10th round pick that has developed into a dependable option in Windsor, Spitfires defenceman Carson Woodall nearly doubled his point output from 2024-25. The Belle River native got off to a hot start, being named the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October and garnered respect from OHL coaches at season's end, being included in most improved player and best offensive defenceman categories on the annual coaches poll. Woodall's steady presence helped guide the Spitfires to a second straight West Division title.

Greyhounds’ captain Brady Martin reassigned to Milwaukee Admirals

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:24:46 +0000

The Nashville Predators have announced that forward Brady Martin has been reassigned to the Milwaukee Admirals for the AHL Playoffs. The 2025 fifth-overall selection appeared in three games with Nashville to begin the season, recording one assist before returning to the Soo Greyhounds lineup.

Martin continued to play a key role for the Greyhounds registering 24 points (8-16-24) in 24 regular season games, before elevating his game with 10 points (3-7-10) in 10 playoff games. The Greyhounds were able to defeat the London Knights in a 5-game Round 1 series, before ultimately being eliminated in a 4-1 series loss to the Kitchener Rangers in Round 2.

Selected third overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Martin has developed into one of the league’s household names. Across three seasons with the Soo, Martin totalled 124 points (51-73-124) in 133 games, showcasing the reasons he was a top-5 pick in last year's NHL Draft.

The Greyhounds’ captain is set to take another step in his development with his first taste of professional playoff hockey. The Admirals will face the Manitoba Moose in a best-of-three series to open the AHL Playoffs, beginning Wednesday, April 22.

Marco Mignosa joins Syracuse Crunch on amateur tryout

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 19:23:52 +0000

Forward Marco Mignosa is set to take the next step in his hockey career, earning an opportunity at the professional level with the Syracuse Crunch on an amateur tryout agreement. Selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft, Mignosa’s signing comes after a standout overage season in the OHL with the Greyhounds.

The Vaughan, ON native delivered a career-best campaign with the Soo, recording 89 points (35-54-89) in 65 regular season games. He continued to produce at a high level in the OHL Playoffs, adding 17 points (7-10-17) in just 10 playoff appearances, serving as a key part of the Greyhounds offence.

Mignosa wraps up an impressive five-year OHL career that saw him appear in 303 regular season games, totalling 116 goals and 173 assists for 289 points. His offensive consistency shined in the playoffs, where he accumulated 30 points (12-18-30) across 36 career postseason games.

Mignosa will now look to carry that momentum into the professional ranks with Syracuse, as the Crunch prepare for a best-of-five series with the Cleveland Monsters.